It’s the first Wednesday of the month and Clarence Brown enters the commissioner’s hearing chambers to hold a public meeting.

Although there is serious county business to conduct, Brown still manages to be affable and full of quick banter.

Brown has served as a public ervant for nearly 40 years and in that time has developed deep ties with the community.

His post began January 1, 1973 and from day one, Brown said the community has embraced him.

“I don’t know what they saw in me but they’ve been good to me,” Brown said. “I think I’ve been able to find success because I don’t think I’m better than any person in the county. I think that’s why I’ve been able to build trust in the community.”

Brown, who was born in Kingston, has a solid record in his years of public service.

In those years he has seen the county through both good and bad times, but on April 20, he faces his biggest challenge yet.

The New Frontier of Bartow County will host the annual Walter A. Johnson Sr. Celebrity Roast and Brown will be the guest of honor.

“He is truly admired by most every demographic in Bartow County” said Bryan Canty, president of New Frontier. “He has also been an honorary Frontiersman for many years. We have truly valued our relationship with him and he so willingly obliged when we approached him. It should be an unforgettable evening.”

The roast will be held at the conference center named in his honor at 7 p.m.

The dais, emceed by Weldon Dudley, will feature local dignitaries as well as close acquaintances that have a good-natured ax to grind, said Canty.

“The roast not only generates much-needed funds, but also allows the New Frontier to honor community dignitaries with a little good-natured

ribbing,” said Canty.

“All participants know ahead of time that those who sit on the

dais will poke fun at the honoree.”

Tickets to the roast are $25 and include a steak or chicken dinner prepared by Dot Beavers and family.

The roast is a 40-year tradition that was started as a tribute to a former educator and administrator, Walter A. Johnson, Sr., Canty said.

To reserve a table contact Tony Suber by e-mail TonySuber@CertusBank.com.

Brown said he looks forward to the roast and is glad to support such a good cause.

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